My 3s just overheated *Update*, UPDATE: Radiator/ Head Gasket replacement need help Options

[eggman40]

*****UPDATE*****

Ok so i was replacing my radiator today and when i disconnected my catch can i saw it was milky... It was not like that a week ago... sooooo im assuming the head gasket finally gave out.

Ive already started taking everything out: plugs, dp, alternator..... basically getting ready to pull the motor.

my question is now....

Is it possible to replace the head gasket w/o pulling the motor out of the car??? or does the whole thing have to come out?

Im REALLY strapped for time so I might hire someone to do it for me so i figure i would get as much crap out of the way so I save on labor... How much would be a fair price to pay for this?

and lastly, is there a way to tell if the BLOCK will need to be machined? becuase once the head is out, it would be easy to machine, but the block is a different story. i would have to pull the whole motor at that point.

Again thanks for your help guys, i really miss driving my car

This post has been edited by eggman40: Mar 14, 2009 - 9:54 PM

[eggman40]

Ok i have an update.... I took my thermostat out yesterday and hooked everything up again to see if my water pump is working and it is. I can see the water rushing but through the radiator in a constant stream and it speeds up as i rev it.

I decided to run the car without a thermostat and see if if overheats and so far it has not. I drove my car from North Hollywood to Downtown L.A with some traffic and the engine temps stayed low.

Obviously i need to run a thermostat but my dont know why its not working properly. I bought it brand new from toyota, and i Aligned the Jiggle valve with the notch on the thermostat housing. Is there anyway to get the install wrong???

My next option is going to be to get another thermostat but one that opens up a bit sooner, like 160 degrees opposed to 180. Does anyone have a suggestion? Did i install it wrong? is my thermostat defective? or should i get one that opens up sooner? thanks again for the help guys.